Metoclopramide is used to treat nausea, vomiting, and reflux disease in dogs and cats by normalizing their digestive system function.

Metoclopramide is a prescription medication that is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats.

Details

Increases the sphincter pressure in the lower esophagus and reduces gastroesophageal reflux, which also may be helpful for decreasing vomiting.

Possible Side Effects: Dogs rarely experience CNS side-effects may include either sedation or hyperactivity. Cats may experience hyperactivity or disorientation.

Dogs and cats: Signs of neurotoxicity may occur in both dogs and cats at therapeutic levels. These signs usually will resolve within a few days of discontinuing the metoclopramide. Diphenhydramine may help reduce movement disorders, such as twisting movements of the face, neck, trunk or limbs, as well as CNS depression, nervousness, restlessness or frenzied behavior especially in cats. Constipation may occur in both species.

Precautions:

Metoclopramide should not be used in animals with GI obstruction, perforation or hemorrhage. Metoclopramide should not be used in animals with a history of seizures, as it may lower the seizure threshold. Metoclopramide should not be used in animals with pheochromocytoma.

Possible Drug Interactions:

Metoclopramide may affect the absorption of other oral medications including cyclosporine and tetracyclines. Cholinergic drugs such as bethanechol may increase the effect of metoclopramide on the GI system. Metoclopramide may increase the CNS-depressant effects of phenothiazine tranquilizers, sedatives, narcotics, barbiturates, antihistamines and anesthetic agents. Extrapyramidal effects of metoclopramide also may be increased with concurrent use of phenothiazine tranquilizers, narcotics and butyrophenones. Acute hypotension may occur with IV use of metoclopramide and anesthetic drugs. Hypertension may occur with concurrent use of metoclopramide and MAO inhibitors. Opiate analgesics, atropine and other anticholinergic drugs may antagonize any effects on GI motility.

Storage:

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)

Instructions

Dosage and Administration:

The usual dose is 0.1-0.2mg per pound of pet's body weight every 6-8 hours